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If you are an undergraduate student planning to apply for a master’s program at a business school of your choice, then you might be aware that you have to present test scores. You need to attempt standardised tests because one of the criteria for admissions into business schools is the entrance exam scores.
Considering the range of standardised test options that exist today, there are chances that you might get confused which one to choose from. Hence, it is essential that you make informed decisions and choose a test that is required for the program you plan to pursue. If you are inclined towards a business course or an MBA, the best choice is the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). In this article, we will talk about the GMAT exam, the GMAT registration 2021 process and more. By the end of this article, you will understand how to successfully register for the GMAT.
The GMAT exam is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council or GMAC. It is a multiple-choice, computer adaptive exam that is designed to assess your analytical writing, critical thinking and logical reasoning skills. It is the most widely accepted exam for MBA admissions, with more than 2500 business schools accepting it as an admission criterion.
Here is an overview of the article and all the aspects of GMAT registration that we’ll cover:
| The Graduate Management Admission Test and Who Should Take the Test? | |
| When Should You Register for the GMAT Exam | |
| Information You Need to Successfully Register for the GMAT | |
| Different Methods of GMAT Exam Registrations | |
| Step-by-Step Guide: Online GMAT Registration 2021 |
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| Alterations Made Amid Covid-19 to the GMAT Exam | |
| Other Methods of GMAT Registration |
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| GMAT Scores | |
| What Happens If You Press ‘Cancel’? | |
| Rescheduling Your GMAT Exam | |
| GMAT Registration FAQs | |
Now, let’s look into the GMAT test in detail to understand it better.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Who Should Take the Test?
GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. This exam can be taken if you are aiming to secure admission to a good business school, in India or abroad. The exam has four sections — Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Integrated Reasoning. The questions in these sections are designed to test your problem-solving, critical thinking, logical reasoning, decision-making and analytical writing skills.
Every year more than 200,000 students take the GMAT, but only 12% secure a score of 700 or above. Most reputed and top-ranked business schools require you to have an excellent GMAT score. 800 being the highest. The GMAT score is valid for five years after you take the exam.
Now that you have an overview of the exam, let’s tell you when and how to register for it.
GMAT Quant Sample Questions and Answers
GMAT Verbal Sample Questions and Answers
GMAT Exam Registration: When Should You Register for the Exam?
The GMAT is conducted all throughout the year, hence, your GMAT exam registration can be done anytime you want once you are thoroughly prepared. Although most students take around six months to prepare for the exam and schedule their exam dates, you can do so based on how confident you feel. You can even prepare for three months and schedule the date. The best approach is to either select a date that will give you ample time to prepare for the exam. Registering for the exam in a haste can result in poor performance and a bad score due to lack of preparation.
Information You Need to Successfully Register for the GMAT
To register for the GMAT, you’ll need your ID proof (your passport in this case) and your debit or credit card to make the payment at the end of the process. The entire GMAT registration process should ideally take you around 20 to 30 minutes. The mandatory information that you need to complete your GMAT registration are as follows:
- Your full name as mentioned on the passport
- Primary email-id
- Address
- Primary phone number
- Gender
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Payment details of your credit or debit card
Optional information that you might or might not want to provide include:
- Academic qualifications
- Professional experience
- Your native language
Different GMAT Registration Methods
GMAC offers several modes of GMAT registration. The 4 common ways of registering for the GMAT are:
- Phone
- Online
- Fax
Here we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to complete your GMAT registration online:
Step-by-step Guide: GMAT Online Registration
GMAT aspirants can appear for the exam anytime during the year, as registrations remain open throughout the year. You select the date at your convenience.
How to register for the GMAT exam online?
1. Create an account
You can create an account by signing up on mba.com. You must click on the sign-up button located in the top right corner. Once you click on it, you’ll be redirected to the sign-up page, where you’ll need to enter your information such as first name, last name, email address, etc. You’ll also be required to set a password.
2. Start the registration process
To start the registration process, you need to click on the exams button at the top left of the page. From there, you’ll be directed to a page wherein you’ll have to fill in all your necessary information.
3. Enter your personal details
You need to fill in all the required personal information, including your country, address, telephone number, mobile number, correspondence language and so on.
4. Enter optional information
On this page, you’ll be required to fill in optional details like your academic experience and your work experience. You can choose to skip this section. Check out the table above to understand what class the percentage you secured falls under.
5. Verify your profile
Once you complete filling the form, your request will be forwarded to the GMAC account processing team. Your request will be processed within two business days or sooner.
6. Schedule your GMAT exam
After 48 hours, you can check the site to see if your account has been verified. Once that is done, you’ll need to schedule your appointment. You will be required to select up to three GMAT test centres close to where you reside. You’ll also have to choose a date and time that is available and convenient for you.
7. Pay the registration fee
Lastly, you will be required to pay the GMAT exam fee of USD 250 or INR 18,300 (approximately) via a debit or a credit card.
If you decide to reschedule your GMAT last minute, you can click on “reschedule exam” and pay the rescheduling fee.
After you follow the steps above, you will be registered for your GMAT exam. However, in case a particular test centre isn’t available to you (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), then GMAC has an alternative solution for you. You can take the online GMAT exam from the comfort of your home.
Alterations to the GMAT Test Amid Covid-19
This online version is similar to the centre-based GMAT test. For instance, in the GMAT online exam, the duration and structure of the exam remain the same as the centre-based GMAT test i.e 3 hours and 7 minutes. Besides, you have the same four sections to answer as well — analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning. Similarly, you will also be allotted breaks between each section for the same duration. The only difference between the two tests is that the GMAT online exam allows you to take the exam from home. However, GMAC has certain rules and regulations laid down for the online test, hence, make sure to go through them before you attempt this version of the exam.
Registration Process for Differently-abled
GMAC aims to provide test taking access to all the applicants, regardless of their physical disability. If you have a disability because of which you are unable to take the GMAT exam under regular test-taking conditions, you may request the GMAT for reasonable test accommodations. For this, you have to first create a candidate profile on mba.com, after which you’ll be provided with an ID number.
Once you get the ID number you have to collect the documents as described by disability type (mentioned on the official website). Then, you need to click on ‘apply for accommodations’, and attach supporting documents. You’ll receive a message of confirmation within 24 hours of sending this form, and GMAC will send their decision to you and then you will be told the further steps.
Other Methods of GMAT Exam Registration
- GMAT Registrations via Phone:
You can call the GMAC India office between 9 am and 6 pm (working hours) on 0091-1244945270. Also, remember that if you are registering by calling the office, then you have to pay an extra $10.
- GMAT Registrations via Mail or Fax:
GMAC also allows you to register using mail or fax. In case you decide to go through these mediums, you have to download the GMAT test form available on the official website. However, when choosing mail or fax options, it is essential to keep in mind that it takes nearly 8 weeks for GMAC to receive your GMAT application form. Therefore, you might have to plan accordingly when registering for your GMAT exam.
- Registering for the GMAT Online:
To ensure that students are safe during these trying times, GMAC now allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your home. To register for an online version of the GMAT exam, here are the following steps:
- Visit the official website and log in to your GMAT account. You will notice the option to register for the GMAT online exam.
- You will have to select your preferred date and time. Fill in all details.
- Finally, you complete the GMAT online registration by paying the fee.
Rescheduling Your GMAT Exam
To reschedule your GMAT exam, you have to pay the rescheduling fee and complete the necessary procedures online. We’ve put together a table below to help you understand the rescheduling fee you have to pay.
| No of Days | Rescheduling Fee |
| Between 1 to 14 days of your exam date | $150 |
| Between 15 to 60 days prior to your exam date | $100 |
| More than 60 days prior to your exam date | $50 |
To successfully reschedule your exam you will have to:
- Log in to your account
- Select the exam you wish to reschedule
- Choose the date you wish to reschedule
- Review your request
- Confirm the newly scheduled exam dates
- Make the additional payment
Canceling your GMAT Exam Dates
GMAC has a provision that allows the candidates to cancel the scheduled exam dates. However, you have to pay a cancellation fee for this. The charges vary based on the date you choose for the cancellation. Given below is a table that’ll help you understand the cancellation charges.
| No of Days | Cancellation Fee |
| Between 1 to 14 days of your exam date | $200 ($50 refund) |
| Between 15 to 60 days prior to your exam date | $175 ($75 refund) |
| More than 60 days prior to your exam date | $150 ($100 refund) |
Key Takeaways:
- The GMAT exam can be taken any time during the year except for public holidays.
- You can register for the GMAT exam by visiting the official website and completing the login procedures.
- GMAC allows multiple modes of registration — phone, mail, fax or online.
- Due to the pandemic, you can now take the GMAT online 2021 from the comfort of your home.
- You can reschedule the GMAT exam by paying the additional fee.
Now that we have been provided with a step-by-step guide on how to register for the GMAT exam, you’re better positioned to complete the GMAT registration without any difficulties. Do remember to only register for the GMAT exam when you’re confident and well prepared. Registering for the GMAT exam in a haste and rescheduling it may involve unnecessary costs. Also, remember to have all your personal information with you when you go to the test center — from your ID proof details to your GMAT registration number and more.
FAQs
1: How can I register for the GMAT exam?
GMAC offers 4 different modes of registering for the GMAT exam — online, mail, fax and phone.
2: What are the most essential details required to register for the GMAT exam?
To successfully complete the registration process of the GMAT exam, you will need the following details:
- Full name as on passport
- Email address
- Primary address
- Primary phone number
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Debit or credit card details for payment of GMAT registration fees
3: What is the overall cost of registering for the GMAT exam?
The total cost of registering for the GMAT exam is $250 which amounts to INR18300. However, there could be a slight variation as the fee you pay in India is subject to foreign exchange rates prevailing at the time of your registration.
4: What ID proof do I need to present on the day of my GMAT exam?
If you’re registering and taking your exam in India, then you will need your passport as your ID proof on the day of the exam.
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